03/18/2007 – Alligator Bayou

Launch: Hoppe’s Landing at the mouth of Dog River in Mobile.
Launch Cost: $5.
Route: Southwest into Alligator Bayou exploring it to the end, back out to Dog River, northwest to Rabbit Creek following that southwest until log jams blocked the creek, back out to Dog River and then to the launch site.
Distance: 18.3 miles round trip.
Average Speed: 3.0 mph.
Time: Approx 6 hrs.
Pace: Leisurely to Moderate.
Weather: Clear, temperature 60-65 degrees, winds out of the southeast 10-15 mph and breezy, little in way of tidal change or current.

1) In the upper end of Alligator Bayou, the vegetation in the water became prevalent. The pink flowers are azaleas.

2) What else would you expect in Alligator Bayou?

3) Only about 10 feet away from the above alligator was a Green Heron.

4) Further up in Rabbit Creek, populated areas gave way to dense woods and much clearer water.

5) It was surprising how far up Rabbit Creek a kayak could go and how quiet it was. If you have never kayaked Rabbit Creek, it is worth exploring – especially the upper end.

6) This is the Rangeline Road bridge where it crosses Rabbit Creek – much taller than I expected.

7) Sunset on Rabbit Creek.

8) Sunset on Rabbit Creek.

9) Twilight from near the Alba Yacht Club area.

10) Trip Track. 

"In wilderness I sense the miracle of life."
- Charles Lindbergh